Your ability to properly analyze and respond in a conflict-related situation is foundational to
your success in personal and professional life.
This brief is designed to help you refine the art of communicating to maximize impact,
professionalism and constructive outcomes by considering the possibilities of “conflict
transformation.”
The integration of form and content is the same as in the first brief; it will push you to research
thoroughly and write for brevity and impact. However, the content of this assignment will
challenge you to consider the intersection of conflict, communication and technology for
practical, yet transformative outcomes.
You have been reading the Fisher & Ury book, and now you need to read Ledarach’s book and
watch his lecture. Once you have completed those things, then read the case study called The
Water Problem. Then apply what you’ve learned from the Fisher and Ury book and the Lederach
book to synthesize a strategic recommendation to solve the problem between the three groups.
The goal of this paper is to see if you can apply ideas from this class to a real-life problem
- Length of assignment: 1000 words
- Content of assignment. The Conflict Brief is to include the following components.
a. Cover Page (not included in word count)
b. Executive Summary that serves as a preview to the content found in the brief (250
words). An Executive Summary is NOT an academic abstract. The Executive
Summary previews the brief by giving away the key insights or findings in the
brief. Think of this as a one-page cheat sheet or as the “spoiler alert,” providing
the audience with the main ideas clearly stated in an easy-to-read format. Follow
the details below to prepare this part of your brief.
c. Professional, thoughtfully analyzed response to the case study (750 words)
i. This analysis includes the following sections
- Two ideas from Fisher and Ury (you choose)
- Two ideas from Lederach (you choose)
- A suggested resolution to the problem
- A biblical integration section
Full Answer Section
Each group has a legitimate need for water, but there is not enough water to meet the needs of all three groups. This has led to conflict and tension between the groups.
Applying the Fisher and Ury Method
The Fisher and Ury method of conflict resolution is based on the following principles:
- Separate the people from the problem: The first step in resolving any conflict is to separate the people from the problem. This means focusing on the problem itself, rather than on the people involved in the conflict.
- Focus on interests, not positions: The second step is to focus on the interests of the parties involved in the conflict, rather than on their positions. This means trying to understand why each party wants what they want.
- Invent options for mutual gain: Once the parties' interests have been identified, it is possible to start inventing options for mutual gain. This means coming up with solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved.
- Insist on objective criteria: When evaluating different solutions, it is important to insist on objective criteria. This means using criteria that are fair and impartial, rather than criteria that favor one party over another.
Applying the Lederach Method
The Lederach method of conflict transformation is based on the following principles:
- Relationship-building: The first step in transforming a conflict is to build relationships between the parties involved. This means creating a safe and supportive space where the parties can communicate and share their perspectives.
- Peacebuilding: The second step is to start building peace. This means working with the parties to develop a shared vision for the future and to identify ways to achieve that vision.
- Justice-seeking: The third step is to seek justice. This means addressing the root causes of the conflict and working to create a more just and equitable society.
Strategic Recommendation
Based on the Fisher and Ury method and the Lederach method, the following strategic recommendation is proposed for resolving the water problem:
- Build relationships between the three groups. This can be done by creating a forum where the groups can meet regularly to discuss their needs and concerns. The forum should be facilitated by a neutral third party.
- Identify the interests of the three groups. Once the groups have built relationships, they can start to identify their interests. This can be done by asking each group to list their needs and concerns.
- Invent options for mutual gain. Once the groups have identified their interests, they can start to invent options for mutual gain. This can be done by brainstorming possible solutions and then evaluating them based on objective criteria.
- Implement an agreed-upon solution. Once the groups have agreed on a solution, they can start to implement it. This may involve making changes to the way that water is allocated and used.
It is important to note that this is just a strategic recommendation. The specific steps involved in resolving the water problem will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the situation. However, the principles of relationship-building, interest-based bargaining, and mutual gain can be applied to any conflict situation.
Conclusion
The conflict between the farmers, village residents, and factory in the case study is a complex one. However, it is possible to resolve the conflict using the Fisher and Ury method and the Lederach method. By building relationships, identifying interests, inventing options for mutual gain, and implementing an agreed-upon solution, the three groups can find a way to share the water resources fairly and equitably.
Sample Answer
The conflict between the three groups in the case study, The Water Problem, is a complex one. It is rooted in different needs, values, and perspectives. The three groups are:
- Farmers: The farmers need water to irrigate their crops.
- Village residents: The village residents need water for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
- The factory: The factory needs water for its manufacturing processes.